Blackcomb Closes Glacier Season 20% Up

August 06, 2002

Whistler, B.C. (Press release) – Whistler Blackcomb’s summer glacier season posted a new record for visits when the season ended on August 4th.

The 2002 summer season posted an increase of visits over 20% from last summer. Through the height of the season, the summer glacier attracts over 1000 athletes and coaches per day to its slopes. Including athletes training on the provincial and national teams, participants taking part in freeride summer camps featuring training in halfpipes, big air jumps, and rails and intermediate and advanced public skiers and riders.

“Our ski and snowboard camps are enjoying tremendous popularity,” explains Doug Forseth, Senior VP Operations for Whistler Blackcomb. “We believe the increases are a result of the quality of the on-snow product, camps and their coaches, and the diversity of leisure activities available in Whistler.”

“Skiers and snowboarders attending these camps can ride the glacier in the morning and spend the afternoon in the valley skateboarding, mountain biking or hanging out at Whistler’s lakes.”

Among Whistler’s summer attractions are those usually found at summer mountain resorts like gondola rides and hiking. But other attractions such as the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, bear tours, and zip lines make Whistler a unique summer experience.

The summer glaciers, located at the top of Blackcomb Mountain, opened on June 10, one day after the winter season ended on Whistler Mountain. The glacier is accessed by three chairlifts rising 5000 vertical feet from the Blackcomb base. Non-snowsport guests also ride the Blackcomb lifts up to Horstman Hut (elevation 7494 feet) and are rewarded with spectacular views of the glacier activity, Whistler Mountain and the Coast Range. Whistler Blackcomb has the longest ski and snowboard season of any major resort in North America.

The Whistler Mountain gondola is open for sightseeing and mountain biking until September 22nd and weekends until October 13th.